Modeling with a Quadratic Function

Here's an activity that can be done with the TI-Nspire CX or any other model of Nspire. (CX is the color version of the Nspire. This can also been done on the classroom set of non-color Nspires that we have, although they are the oldest model with the failed keypad layout which was later replaced. For $10 for each calcultor, I could get the new keypad layout. Sigh, I need a money tree.)

Start by importing a photo into the calculator. TI has several stock photos which can be used. In this case, we want to model the parabolic path of the basketball and see if we can come up with an equation to represent that path. Then we could answer questions about how high it travels. How far it travels. Where it would hit the ground if the basketball hoop were not there. Etc.
Overlay the xy-coordinate plane.
Create a point which is then moved overtop of the different shots of the basketball. You can then capture the coordinates of each point which are stored in a list. I collected 11 points.
The list.
Here's a graph of the captured points plus the equation which represents the path of the basketball throughout the entire shot.
Pretty good model. (Note: Two tick marks represent 1 meter.)
Makes you want to take Algebra all over again!